Carbon accounted for 40 percent of global emissions in 2018, according to the Global Carbon Project. China accounts for 50 percent of all coal use, then India for 12 percent, and the United States for 8 percent. In total, Asia accounts for 75 percent of all coal consumption

- If we look at India now, they are a major driving engine for all the coal use in the world. As the country is electrified and started to run its economy in the same way as China did a few decades ago, it has resulted in a significant increase in the need for coal, as it is among the cheapest types of energy available. says Mikael Höök, energy researcher at Uppsala University.

Why do they use coal?

- Because it's domestic. It is cheap, easily accessible and you take what you think works best.

China is developing a lot of coal power and is investing in it in other parts of the world as well. At the same time, you are a major investor in renewable energy.

- The underlying problem is that the need for energy is increasing so much as 100 million people join a global middle class, says Mikael Höök.

Renewable energy important market for China

Economics, geopolitics and the health perspective are three issues that Johan Kyulenstierna believes can drive an energy conversion in China, among others.

- China wants its own systems and to be self-sufficient to the greatest extent possible, and it will push the transition, when it becomes more dependent on coal imports.

According to the Kyulen Paths, China is well advanced in the new technologies and also sees opportunities with the energy conversion.

- If you are a major supplier of renewable energy systems, which you are today, then this is a very important market for China. Today, China is a major exporter of solar panels and wind technology, not least.

Another issue that the Kyulen Paths believe will also drive the transition in China and India is the health perspective.

- Air pollution, which has been seen in both China and India, has been an issue that has started to generate public opinion in their own countries and it also puts pressure on their own politicians.